Meet Tatum

Learn more about our Fellows and how to get involved by visiting our Join page or emailing us directly.

School:

William Howard Taft High School

Host Organization:

Mikva Challenge

Year Born:

2000

If I could have one superpower, it would be:

Time manipulation

How long have you been thinking about making change or engaging other youth in making change?

As part of the council, we had several meetings with large stakeholders. For example met with the CEO of CPS to present our action plans, received feedback, revised said action plans, then met with her again to show our progress. Having these meetings and more importantly being listened to was incredibly important and impactful. I learned that there are people willing to listen to and work with young people in order to improve their lives.

Have there been any particularly important moments that keep you motivated?

As part of the council, we had several meetings with large stakeholders. For example met with the CEO of CPS to present our action plans, received feedback, revised said action plans, then met with her again to show our progress. Having these meetings and more importantly being listened to was incredibly important and impactful. I learned that there are people willing to listen to and work with young people in order to improve their lives.

Do you have any stories to share about that experience?

As part of the council, we had several meetings with large stakeholders. For example met with the CEO of CPS to present our action plans, received feedback, revised said action plans, then met with her again to show our progress. Having these meetings and more importantly being listened to was incredibly important and impactful. I learned that there are people willing to listen to and work with young people in order to improve their lives.

What issues or problems matter to you?

Intersectional feminism best describes the problems that matter to me. As a young queer woman, I understand the importance and the need for the voices of marginalized groups to be magnified. I also am extremely determined to erase the notion that all youth are lazy, apathetic, and too misinformed to create change.

What motivates you to be involved in creating change in these areas?

My own personal identity is one huge motivator. I realize my privilege and accept that I have to do my part to help other minority groups. Unity is a key factor in creating change.

What do your friends and your family think of your involvement?

My mom and brother are incredibly proud of my involvement. They are incredibly supportive and I am so grateful. My friends are supportive, as well. They find it interesting that I am so connected to civics.

How do you feel that your work has made a difference?

Even if students don’t remember anything from the work I did with SAC, they at least get to walk away knowing that it is possible for youth to step up. Seeing someone their age hosting workshops, leading a voter registration drive, campaigning for a public official…all of these things can ignite the fire in their heart and make them realize that they, too, can get involved.